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Oakland Raiders Schedule 2015: Stiff Competition Could Breed Excellence

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Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

The Oakland Raiders‘ 2015 schedule was released on Tuesday night, and it certainly gives us an idea of how much the team will have to work for wins this upcoming season. That’s not to say that they won’t always have to do that, but the schedule slates the Raiders against tough (but beatable) competition, which may just bring out the best in this rebuilt roster full of rising stars.

Week 1: Bengals @ Raiders – Sunday, September 13, 4:25pm ET

Week 2: Ravens @ Raiders – Sunday, September 20, 4:05pm ET

Week 3: Raiders @ Browns – Sunday, September 27, 1pm ET

Week 4: Raiders @ Bears – Sunday, October 4, 1pm ET

Week 5: Broncos @ Raiders – Sunday, October 11, 4:25pm ET

Week 6: BYE

Week 7: Raiders @ Chargers – Sunday, October 25, 4:05pm ET

Week 8: Jets @ Raiders – Sunday, November 1, 4:05pm ET

Week 9: Raiders @ Steelers – Sunday, November 8, 1pm ET

Week 10: Vikings @ Raiders – Sunday, November 15, 4:05pm ET

Week 11: Raiders @ Lions – Sunday, November 22, 1pm ET

Week 12: Raiders @ Titans – Sunday, November 29, 1pm ET

Week 13: Chiefs @ Raiders – Sunday, December 6, 4:05pm ET

Week 14: Raiders @ Broncos – Sunday, December 13, 4:05pm ET

Week 15: Packers @ Raiders – Sunday, December 20, 4:05pm ET

Week 16: Chargers @ Raiders – Thursday, December 24, 8:25pm ET

Week 17: Raiders @ Chiefs – Sunday, January 3, 1pm ET

I won’t sugarcoat it. This is going to be a difficult year for the Raiders, who are coming off a 3-13 campaign during which they lost 11 straight games to start the year. Still, with an improved roster and a new staff in place, there’s definite room for growth. With a few tough tests both on the road and at home, the Raiders should see their young stars and budding playmakers step up.

I won’t go out on any ridiculous limbs and say the Raiders are going to make the playoffs in 2015, because they won’t. However, based on their schedule and roster, there’s a good chance they’ll improve on last year’s record. I’m thinking 6-10 should be a solid step in the right direction for Oakland. What are you thinking for the Raiders in 2015?

Calvin Cress is an Oakland Raiders writer for RantSports. Make sure to follow him on Twitter for more Raiders news and commentary.

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